For Thanksgiving pie baking, my three picks cover different parts of the job: King Arthur Gluten-Free Pie Crust Mix is the clearest choice for gluten-free crusts, Old School Brand Southern Pie Crust Mix suits bakers who want a two-crust dough for sweet or savory pies, and Apple Pie Filling cuts down on filling preparation. The main tradeoff is what each product actually supplies: the first two are crust mixes that still need added ingredients and rolling, while the apple filling is ready to use but does not provide a crust. I rank the two crust mixes first because they directly address pie-dough preparation, then include the filling as a useful shortcut for a different part of a holiday pie.
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Key Takeaways
- Best gluten-free crust: King Arthur makes one 9-inch double crust or two single crusts and is certified gluten-free by GFCO.
- Best traditional two-crust option: Old School Brand yields two crusts and lets you use butter or shortening, but you must add the fat and ice water.
- Best filling shortcut: The 20-ounce apple filling is ready to use, but you will need a separate crust mix or homemade dough.
- Not interchangeable: The two crust products help make dough; the canned apple product supplies filling only.
- Plan for hands-on work: Both crust mixes require preparation and rolling, so neither is a ready-to-bake pie kit.
| King Arthur Gluten-Free Pie Crust Mix, 14 oz |  | Best Overall for Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Crust | Package weight: 14 oz | Yield: One 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts | Gluten-free certification: Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Old School Brand Southern Pie Crust Mix, 12 oz, Makes 2 Crusts |  | Best for a Flexible Two-Crust Pie | Package weight: 12 oz | Yield: 2 pie crusts | Added fat: 1/2 cup butter or shortening | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple Pie Filling, 20 oz |  | Best for Cutting Filling Prep | Package size: 20 oz | Packaging: Can | Preparation: Ready to use | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thanksgiving pie baking mixe | Package weight | Yield | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Arthur Gluten-Free Pie Cr | 14 oz | One 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts | — |
| Old School Brand Southern Pie | 12 oz | 2 pie crusts | Mix, divide, and roll out |
| Apple Pie Filling | — | — | Ready to use |
More Details on Our Top Picks
King Arthur Gluten-Free Pie Crust Mix, 14 oz
King Arthur earns my top spot because it is the only option here that directly addresses gluten-free pie crust. The package yields one 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts, giving it a useful range for a covered pie or two separate desserts. That clear yield also makes it easier to plan around a Thanksgiving menu than the apple filling, whose finished pie yield is not specified.
The mix is described as rolling out easily and baking into a flaky, golden crust with a buttery-style flavor. Those details matter for a holiday baker who wants a crust that can be shaped rather than a product that supplies filling alone. It also has uses beyond pie, including quiches and tarts, so it can earn a place in a broader seasonal baking plan. Its Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO status is the strongest dietary distinction in this lineup; it is also Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher.
Compared with Old School Brand, King Arthur is the better fit when gluten-free certification is a deciding factor, but its description does not provide the same specific butter-or-shortening preparation amounts. Both mixes still require preparation and rolling, so this is not a no-effort crust. The directions include non-dairy preparation, though the buttery-style flavor description may not suit someone seeking a product presented as entirely dairy-free. I would choose it for gluten-free pie dough and pass if the priority is a ready-filled pie shortcut.
Pros:- Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO, with Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher certifications.
- Makes one 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts.
- Described as easy to roll out and able to bake into a flaky, golden crust.
- Can also be used for quiches and tarts, and includes iron, calcium, and B vitamins.
Cons:- Requires preparation, rolling, and baking rather than producing a ready-to-use crust.
- The mix is described as buttery-style even though non-dairy preparation directions are included.
Best for: Thanksgiving bakers who need a certified gluten-free crust mix with a stated yield for one 9-inch double-crust pie or two single crusts.
Not ideal for: Bakers who want a fully assembled pie, dislike rolling dough, or need a product explicitly described as dairy-free rather than one with non-dairy preparation directions.
- Package weight:14 oz
- Yield:One 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts
- Gluten-free certification:Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO
- Other certifications:Non-GMO Project Verified; Certified Kosher
- Fortification:Iron, calcium, and B vitamins
- Texture description:Flaky, golden crust
- Other uses:Quiches and tarts
Our verdict“I recommend King Arthur when gluten-free status and a clearly stated 9-inch pie yield matter more than avoiding dough preparation.”
Old School Brand Southern Pie Crust Mix, 12 oz, Makes 2 Crusts
If I were choosing a crust mix for a traditional two-crust Thanksgiving pie and wanted a clear, straightforward ingredient routine, Old School Brand would be my practical alternative to King Arthur. The 12-ounce package makes two crusts, and the dough can be used for sweet or savory recipes. That versatility makes it a sensible pantry option when the holiday menu might include more than dessert.
The preparation is spelled out: add 1/2 cup butter or shortening and 8–9 tablespoons of ice water, then mix, divide, and roll out the dough. This gives the baker a choice of fat, but it also means the mix is only one part of the job. By comparison, King Arthur stands out for its gluten-free certification and more specific 9-inch yield; Old School Brand instead emphasizes the two-crust result and familiar choice between butter and shortening. Neither should be treated as a ready-to-bake pie.
For Thanksgiving, the main advantage is matching a double-crust plan without buying a filling product that cannot help with pastry. The tradeoff is that the stated yield is simply two crusts, without a specified diameter in the supplied details. If a particular pie pan size is central to your plan, King Arthur offers more precise yield information. Old School Brand is also described as made and packaged in the USA, but no dietary certifications are provided here, so I would not choose it as a gluten-free substitute for King Arthur.
Pros:- One 12-ounce package makes two pie crusts.
- Suitable for sweet and savory recipes, giving it broader use than a filling-only product.
- Preparation specifies butter or shortening and ice water.
- Made and packaged in the USA.
Cons:- Requires added butter or shortening and 8–9 tablespoons of ice water.
- The dough must be mixed, divided, and rolled before filling.
- The supplied yield does not state a crust diameter or dietary certification.
Best for: Bakers who want mix for two crusts, prefer a choice of butter or shortening, and may use the dough for sweet or savory holiday recipes.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs a certified gluten-free mix, wants a ready-rolled crust, or needs the product details to state a specific pie-pan diameter.
- Package weight:12 oz
- Yield:2 pie crusts
- Added fat:1/2 cup butter or shortening
- Added liquid:8–9 tablespoons ice water
- Preparation:Mix, divide, and roll out
- Recipe uses:Sweet or savory pies
- Made and packaged in:USA
Our verdict“I would pick Old School Brand for a flexible two-crust baking plan when you are comfortable supplying the fat, water, and rolling work.”
Apple Pie Filling, 20 oz
This is a filling shortcut, not a pie crust mix, which makes it the most distinct entry in the roundup. The 20-ounce can contains ready-to-use apple pie filling, so it removes the need to prepare that part from scratch. For a Thanksgiving baker who already has crust covered but wants to shorten the filling step, that is a useful role. It has no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors listed in the product details.
Compared with King Arthur and Old School Brand, the filling takes less work at the mixing stage, but it cannot make a pie on its own. You will need a separate crust, whether that comes from one of the mixes above or another source. The crust products have broader uses and help with the pastry portion; this can is more narrowly useful for apple pie. The supplied information does not state how many pies the can fills, so I would not assume a particular pie size or quantity.
The main practical drawback comes after opening: transfer leftovers to a separate container and refrigerate them. That makes it less convenient if you plan to keep unused filling in its original can. I would choose it when the goal is to reduce filling preparation, not when the goal is a complete Thanksgiving baking kit. It also is not a substitute for fresh or homemade filling if you specifically want to control the ingredients or preparation yourself.
Pros:- Ready to use straight from the can.
- Contains no high fructose corn syrup, according to the product details.
- Contains no artificial flavors, according to the product details.
Cons:- Provides filling only; a separate crust is needed for a pie.
- The supplied details do not specify a finished pie yield.
- Leftovers must be transferred to another container and refrigerated after opening.
Best for: Holiday bakers who already have a crust plan and want ready-to-use apple filling to reduce preparation.
Not ideal for: Anyone shopping specifically for pie crust mix, a complete pie kit, or a filling product with a stated pie yield.
- Package size:20 oz
- Packaging:Can
- Preparation:Ready to use
- High fructose corn syrup:None
- Artificial flavors:None
- After opening:Transfer leftovers to a separate container and refrigerate
Our verdict“I recommend this can as a filling-prep shortcut when your crust is already handled, not as a replacement for either pie crust mix.”
How We Picked
I ranked these products by how directly they help with a Thanksgiving pie, how much preparation they leave to the baker, and how clearly their yields and uses are described. That means I treated crust mixes and pie filling as different kinds of help rather than pretending they compete as equivalent kits. A crust mix can support the structure of several kinds of pies; a ready-to-use filling addresses one filling task but still needs to be paired with a crust.
Yield and holiday fit mattered because Thanksgiving plans often involve a full-size pie, a double crust, or several desserts. King Arthur specifies one 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts. Old School Brand states that its 12-ounce package makes two crusts. The apple filling is a 20-ounce can, but the product details do not specify a pie size or a finished pie yield, so I avoid assigning one.
I also weighed dietary information and flexibility. King Arthur has a specific gluten-free distinction, along with Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher details. Old School Brand gives a choice of butter or shortening and can be used for sweet or savory recipes. The apple filling is the least involved option at the mixing stage, but it is limited to filling and needs separate storage once opened.
Finally, I considered the practical tradeoffs stated for each product: added ingredients, rolling, baking, and what is not included. None of the supplied details support claims about flavor preferences, exact baking times, allergen status beyond the listed certifications, or a complete pie-making process. I keep the recommendations within those boundaries and give each product a distinct role so readers can choose based on the part of Thanksgiving baking they want to simplify.
| Thanksgiving pie baking mixe | Preparation |
|---|---|
| King Arthur Gluten-Free Pie Cr | — |
| Old School Brand Southern Pie | Mix, divide, and roll out |
| Apple Pie Filling | Ready to use |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Thanksgiving Pie Baking Mixes
For a Thanksgiving pie, I would start by identifying which part of the bake needs help: the crust, the filling, or both. The products here are not interchangeable. King Arthur and Old School Brand are dough mixes; the apple product is filling. Choosing by that distinction first prevents a common mismatch—buying a filling shortcut when what you actually need is pastry.
Decide whether you need crust mix or filling
Crust mixes provide dough-making support, but they still leave preparation and rolling to you. King Arthur and Old School Brand both fit that category. The apple filling is ready to use, but it cannot supply the crust. If your Thanksgiving plan is a single apple pie and the pastry is already covered, the can can shorten one step. If you are starting without a crust, choose a mix or arrange a separate crust before relying on the filling.
For a menu with several pies, think about the tasks each product covers. King Arthur can yield two single crusts or one double crust, while Old School Brand makes two crusts. The apple filling details do not state a pie yield, so it is better treated as an ingredient than as a complete quantity plan. I would match each purchase to a specific recipe rather than assume the products form a complete set.
Match the mix to dietary needs
If gluten-free certification is a requirement, King Arthur is the clear choice in this lineup: it is Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO. The product is also Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher. Those are specific distinctions that Old School Brand does not list in the supplied product details. I would not infer that a product is gluten-free simply because its description does not mention gluten.
King Arthur includes non-dairy preparation directions, but the mix is described as buttery-style. Anyone with a dairy restriction should check the current package directions and ingredient information rather than treating that flavor description as a guarantee of dairy-free status. Old School Brand calls for either butter or shortening, so the baker has a choice of added fat, but the available details do not establish that every preparation is suitable for a particular dietary need.
Check the yield against your pie plan
King Arthur gives the most specific crust yield: one 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts. That makes it easier to plan for a covered pie or two open pies. Old School Brand makes two crusts, but the supplied information does not name a diameter. If your pie pan size is fixed, that difference may matter more than the package weights.
Do not confuse a two-crust yield with a complete pie. Both crust products require additional preparation, and the Old School directions specifically call for butter or shortening and ice water. The apple filling is sold as a 20-ounce can, but there is no stated number of pies it will fill. I would follow the recipe and package directions for the actual amount needed rather than extrapolating from package size alone.
Choose how much hands-on work you want
Neither crust mix is a shortcut around rolling dough. Old School Brand describes a sequence of mixing, dividing, and rolling after adding fat and ice water. King Arthur is described as rolling out easily, but it still needs preparation and baking. The difference is that its stated gluten-free status and 9-inch yield may make it a better fit for a baker with those specific needs, not that it removes the work.
The apple filling is the lowest-effort option for its particular task because it is ready to use. That convenience has a narrow scope: you still need a crust and must handle leftovers properly after opening. If you want a pie-making purchase that covers both pastry and filling, none of these products is presented as a full assembled kit. Plan the missing components before the holiday baking day.
Think beyond Thanksgiving day
Versatility can make a crust mix more useful after the holiday. King Arthur is described for pies, quiches, and tarts, while Old School Brand is suitable for both sweet and savory pies. The apple filling has a more specific role and is best matched to an apple pie plan. If you bake savory dishes as well as dessert, one of the crust mixes may support more recipes than the can of filling.
Storage and leftovers matter, too. The apple filling instructions say that leftovers should be moved to a separate container and refrigerated after opening. The supplied details do not give storage guidance for the crust mixes, so I would follow their packaging rather than assume a shelf life or storage method. For a Thanksgiving schedule, choose the product that reduces the task you most want to avoid without overlooking the work it leaves behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option is the best fit for a gluten-free Thanksgiving pie crust?
King Arthur Gluten-Free Pie Crust Mix is the only product in this comparison with a stated gluten-free certification: it is Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO. It makes one 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts. It still requires preparation, rolling, and baking, so it is not a ready-made crust. Check the package information for the full ingredient and preparation details that apply to your dietary needs.
Do either of the crust mixes make a finished pie without added ingredients?
No. The products are crust mixes, not complete pies. Old School Brand specifically calls for 1/2 cup butter or shortening and 8–9 tablespoons of ice water, followed by mixing, dividing, and rolling. King Arthur also requires preparation and baking, though its supplied details do not give the same specific ingredient amounts. Both need a filling and the usual pie-baking steps.
Can I use the apple filling with either crust mix?
The apple product is described as ready-to-use filling, while King Arthur and Old School Brand are crust mixes, so they address separate parts of a pie. You can plan to pair a filling with a crust, but the supplied product details do not provide a specific tested recipe or baking instructions for combining them. Follow the directions on each package and use a pie recipe suited to your pan and chosen crust.
Which crust mix is better when I need two crusts?
Both crust mixes offer a two-crust outcome, but their yield descriptions differ. Old School Brand states that its 12-ounce package makes two crusts, without specifying a diameter in the supplied details. King Arthur states that one package makes one 9-inch double-crust pie or two 9-inch single crusts. I would favor King Arthur when the 9-inch yield is helpful and Old School Brand when the choice of butter or shortening is a priority.
What should I do with leftover apple filling after opening?
The product directions say to transfer any leftover filling to a separate container and refrigerate it after opening. The can should not be treated as the storage container for leftovers. The supplied details do not give a storage duration, so use the package instructions for current guidance and avoid assuming how long the opened filling will keep.
Conclusion
My recommendations depend on which Thanksgiving task you want to simplify. Choose King Arthur Gluten-Free Pie Crust Mix if gluten-free certification and a clearly stated 9-inch yield are your priorities. Pick Old School Brand Southern Pie Crust Mix if you want two crusts for sweet or savory pies and are happy to add butter or shortening and roll the dough. Reach for Apple Pie Filling when your crust is already planned and you want the filling ready to use. These products solve different problems, so I would choose by the missing piece in your baking plan rather than treating the can as a crust mix or either mix as a complete pie.
